Ang69. DS1 is 5, in mainstream school and loving it. He seems to be popular with his classmates and is keeping up academically. His speech has come on light years since he started school. He's just started ballet classes which, frankly, constitutes a massive public safety hazard but it makes him very happy. He's a tremendous little chap and the single best thing that's ever happened to me.
My experience when pregnant with NT DS2 was interesting. We were offered CVS straight away (big London neonatal research centre) even though the odds were very low on the basis that DS1's odds had also been low. We were clear we didn't want the CVS so they rolled out several big professors to talk to us in serious voices about the implications. Once they saw we were genuinely happy to raise a second child with Downs they broke into smiles and shook our hands. I wonder whether clinicians dealing with pregnant women try so hard to keep to cold hard facts (possible medical issues) that a negative impression is inadvertantly created. They can't be objective if they convey how excellent people with Downs really are. For this reason, I wish they signposted to local support groups.
Crumblybiscuits I'm very sorry to hear about your TFMR. I have supported friends through this and I know it's devastating. It's a big leap to presume that fear of increased terminations for Downs = anti-abortion. I'm also staunchly pro-choice but that choice must be properly informed. The outlook and the opportunities for children born with Downs today really are very good, but no-one tells you that at 12 weeks pregnant.
A while ago a friend of mine chose to terminate because the foetus had Downs. I found that difficult to deal with and was very hurt that, having known my son since birth, she would rather terminate than raise a (lovely) child like him. However, I supported her absolutely and didn't let my feelings show for one second because her needs and her choice were paramount.